Readings and Prayers – 15 September

First reading

A reading from the book of Exodus

The Lord spoke to Moses, ‘Go down now, because your people whom you brought out of Egypt have apostatised. They have been quick to leave the way I marked out for them; they have made themselves a calf of molten metal and have worshipped it and offered it sacrifice. “Here is your God, Israel,” they have cried, “who brought you up from the land of Egypt!” I can see how headstrong these people are! Leave me, now, my wrath shall blaze out against them and devour them; of you, however, I will make a great nation.’

But Moses pleaded with the Lord his God. ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘why should your wrath blaze out against this people of yours whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with arm outstretched and mighty hand? Remember Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, your servants to whom by your own self you swore and made this promise: I will make your offspring as many as the stars of heaven, and all this land which I promised I will give to your descendants, and it shall be their heritage for ever.’ So the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.

The word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm

R. I will rise and go to my father.

Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness.In your compassion blot out my offence.O wash me more and more from my guiltand cleanse me from my sin. (R.)

Second Reading

A reading from the letter of St Paul to Timothy

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, and who judged me faithful enough to call me into his service even though I used to be a blasphemer and did all I could to injure and discredit the faith. Mercy, however, was shown me, because until I became a believer I had been acting in ignorance; and the grace of our Lord filled me with faith and with the love that is in Christ Jesus. Here is a saying that you can rely on and nobody should doubt: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. I myself am the greatest of them; and if mercy has been shown to me, it is because Jesus Christ meant to make me the greatest evidence of his inexhaustible patience for all the other people who would later have to trust in him to come to eternal life. To the eternal King, the undying, invisible and only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia!God was in Christ, to reconcile the world to himself;and the Good News of reconciliation he has entrusted to us.Alleluia!

Introduction

Good morning/evening everyone.

(Saturday night 6.00pm Mass only)

(Could all the children attending Children’s Liturgy tonight, please gather at the entrance to the church where Father will give you a blessing before he processes in.)

Today Jesus tells us three stories of things lost to their rightful owners: a lost sheep, a lost coin, a lost son. And so he invites us to return to our rightful master, our heavenly Father.
Please stand and join in the singing of our entrance hymn …………………………………

General Intercessions

For all affected by the bushfires in Queensland and New South Wales, and for those who continue to carry the burden of prolonged drought. Lord, in your mercy…

For this time leading to Emene’s ordination to the priesthood that it may be grace-filled for our entire diocese. Lord, in your mercy …

For a trust in God, who, with abundant mercy, sent his Son Christ Jesus into the world to save us sinners. Lord, in your mercy …

For all working on harvesters, haul-outs and in the mills during this harvest season in our district, that they be kept safe until seasons end. Lord, in your mercy …

For the sick, that they may experience the forgiving love and healing of our Lord. Lord, in your mercy …

We place before the Lord our own personal needs and prayers. (Count to 10) Lord, in your mercy …
Together let us pray

God our Father,
pour out your Holy Spirit on our brother Emene
whom you have chosen for ministerial priesthood.
May he preach the Gospel worthily and wisely
and celebrate the sacraments faithfully and reverently.
Make his life worthy of the mysteries he will celebrate.
May he be united more closely each day to Christ the High Priest,
who offered himself for us to the Father as a pure sacrifice.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.